A Springfield farmer says he found his prized calf shot dead and butchered on a neighbor’s property Saturday.
He’s offering a reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the case.
Tim Graves, of Rudd Lane, told The Springfield Sun that his three-month old Senepol heifer had been missing for more than a week.
He later found its butchered remains about 30 feet from his own property line.
The calf had apparently been shot and skinned, he said.
“They took the shoulders, spine, loin and all with them,” he said.
The calf’s head, feet and hide were all that remained.
“This is totally random,” he said. “I have no suspects.”
Tracks near the carcass appeared to be from a small truck, Graves said.
Graves said the 450-pound calf likely would’ve brought as much as $5,000 at auction once it matured.
But the death is upsetting because of its sentimental value to his family.
Graves’ 16-year-old daughter was born with a heart defect.
“Everything I did for her when she was small was hearts,” he said. “I used to decorate her room with hearts.”
When his daughter began showing cattle at age 9, her first cow was one with a heart shape on its head.
“The calf butchered was born from the cow who had the shape of a heart on its head,” Graves said.
Graves filed a report with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
He’s offering a $1,000 reward for those who provide tips that lead to a conviction in the case.
Those with information about the slaughter are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 336-5400.

A prized Senepol calf shown with its mother. The calf was found shot and butchered on Saturday. The calf had sentimental meaning to the family who is offering a reward for information about the case.